Three more PCF Sparkletots centres hit by food poisoning

SINGAPORE — Three more PCF Sparkletots outlets have been hit by a gastroenteritis outbreak, the childcare centre operator said in a statement on Thursday (March 28), making it seven in total that have been affected so far.

PCF said that more than 100 children from across the seven pre-schools have displayed symptoms of food poisoning.

A day earlier, PCF had said that four of its outlets were affected by the outbreak, all in Sengkang Central. In its latest update, the company said that the full list of seven were:

1. PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 210

2. PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 270

3. PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 290A

4. PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 298B

5. PCF Sparkletots @ Punggol North

6. PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 262A

7. PCF Sparkletots @ Sengkang Central Blk 208

“We are in close contact with affected parents and monitoring their children’s condition. PCF Sparkletots will continue to provide the relevant support for all affected parties,” PCF said.

The Ministry of Health, National Environment Agency and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore said in a joint statement on Wednesday that 109 people had fallen ill, with 15 taken to the hospital. Six have been discharged so far.

The outbreak was traced back to food prepared by Kate’s Catering, which has had its operations suspended since Tuesday. It is undergoing investigation.

PCF said on Wednesday that Kate’s Catering served food to 11 of its pre-school centres.

PCF added that while the cause of the children’s illnesses has yet to be determined, as a precautionary measure, it has suspended this caterer’s services at all 11 centres for an indefinite period of time.

“Temporary food arrangements have already been made to provide meals from an in-house cook with the requisite certification or from other NEA-certified food caterers,” it said.